Today started with a late lunch at Tainan's best restaurant, 'Chikan' (named after the Chikan towers, which is just down the road. Specializing in traditional Taiwanese specialties, and with a very cool decoration scheme, this place is not to be missed. Visit their website: www.chikan.com.tw.
Next, we headed out to Anping. 'Old Street' in Anping is the oldest section of Tainan. Although the Dutch fort has been redone, there are several authentic monuments that are several centuries old. The 'tree house' and the Anping museum (near the elementary school) are nice places for pictures. Old Street itself is an artistic stretch of narrow alleyway, full of handicrafts, seashells, snacks and toy stores. On the weekends this place is packed, so avoid the rush. At the end of Old Street, (between the Anping Fort and the Guanyin Buddist Temple) the fun continues with about 100 stalls selling food, collectibles, and hosting carnival-esque games. It's kind of like a nightmarket, but open from pretty early. We found lots of traditional Asian art here; and surprising mix of ancient and modern symbolism.
After Anping we went through Haian Road. This area (near the JungJeng shopping area) is full of late night coffee/tea/snack shops. It's become extremely trendy - it's the place to hang out with friends late at night playing cards. Several years ago the city commissioned a series of murals by local artists. The project has grown and today there are a dozen pretty interesting art installations to visit; you'll find Taiwanese taking pictures here any night of the week.
If you don't like coffee, head up Gongyuan Road to the Amory - one of the oldest (and still very popular) bars in Tainan. The Armory has always been a friend of the arts, sponsoring exhibitions and live music performances. http://armorypub.com.tw/
We hope you enjoyed our brief tour of Tainan city. In a few hours we're getting on a 6am bus to Taipei. Can't wait!
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